The Peru Gazette

PLATTSBURGH, NY – The Strand Center for the Arts (SCA) is proud to announce that Bob Garcia has been hired as its new Executive Director. Mr. Garcia will continue to connect and unite the North Country through art as well take the helm while the Arts Center and Theatre embark onto the next phases of transformative growth.

Mr. Garcia entered into his professional career with Radio City Music Hall Productions (1981-1998) leading the finance division’s oversight of the multitude of live entertainment productions; including concerts, family attractions, special events, touring and television projects with such historical concerts such as Frank Sinatra, Liberace, U2, Paul McCartney, Madonna, to name a few.  Mr. Garcia’s line-producing experience includes Super Bowl Halftime presentations, Lollapalooza, USTA- Opening Ceremonies, and Broadway Theater concert presentations for Tony Bennett, Robin Williams, Liza Minnelli, and Harry Connick, Jr.; Carnegie Hall debut performances of Peter Allen, Tony Bennett, and Pee Wee Herman; and touring productions of Liza Minnelli, Pokémon, Manhattan Transfer, and Dancing on Dangerous Grounds.

From 1998 thru 2014, Mr. Garcia lead the Entertainment Division at Madison Square Garden Company, where as VP Entertainment Finance, steered and lead his company in live entertainment projects at Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden’s Arena and Theatre, and the acquisitions of the Beacon Theatre, The Chicago Theatre, the LA Forum, and the booking engagement of the Wang Performing Arts Center in Boston.  While providing fiscal oversight and leadership for all the live entertainment activity in these seven venues, he continued line-producing very notable awards ceremonies such as the Grammy’s, VMA’s CMA’s, and Tony Awards. Mr. Garcia was involved with three of the most highly touted benefit concerts in the history of Madison Square Garden: “12.12.12. The Concert for Sandy Relief 2012”, “From the Big Apple to the Big Easy 2005”, and the “Concert for NYC” (2001).

Continuing his career, Mr. Garcia became CFO of Running Subway, an entertainment production company that conceptualizes, produces, and markets iconic theatrical productions and exhibits, including “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and touring Lego exhibit “The Art of the Brick”.

SCA Board President, Courtney Chandler DeLaura says, “We are thrilled that Bob Garcia has agreed to take the reins of leadership at the Strand Center for the Arts.  Bob brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role as Executive Director.  We welcome Bob to our organization and our community.”

Mr. Garcia says, “I wish to thank the SCA Board and all the citizens of this great county, as I have felt and experienced the warmth and graciousness of everyone I have met in my first few weeks.  I welcome the challenge of introducing more people to the Strand Theatre, providing top-notch affordable entertainment and arts to this area, as well as continuing to create a greater awareness of what the Strand Center for the Arts provides to the citizens of the North Country.”

Mr. Garcia added, “The Strand Center for the Arts loves to hear from the community, so my door is always open. I welcome visitors to come and see the great things happening here. Please let us know how we can improve and get even better.”